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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Jones Tube Cleaning

Published on Sun Jan 09, 2005

Question: How should I code for the cleaning of a Jones tube? Our patients usually come in once a year to have the tube removed, cleaned and then reinserted.

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: There is no CPT code for cleaning an inserted item like the Jones tube. The only option is billing an unlisted-procedure code - reporting 92499 (Unlisted ophthalmological service or procedure) or 68899 (Unlisted procedure, lacrimal system) - and then describing the procedure in the comments or in Box 19 of the claim form.

Don't miss: You should have patients sign an advance beneficiary notice informing them they will be responsible for payment if Medicare considers the procedure not medically necessary.
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